One of the good things about being the largest software company on the planet is that you have a seriously big checkbook. Given its generous cash position, Microsoft has reportedly spent $1 billion securing exclusive games for the launch of the Xbox One game console.

It's good to hear that Microsoft is spending significant money to secure impressive games for its coming game console after some came away from the unveil of the device with an impression that it was more focused on streaming video and entertainment than gaming.

The $1 billion Microsoft plans to invest in exclusive games will get Xbox One users 15 exclusive titles in the first year the console is available including a few completely new franchises. Microsoft has also spent significant money on beefing up its staff including hiring former Sony exec Phil Harrison to manage internal products and developer relations in Europe.

Rare Ltd is also reportedly working to bring one of its iconic franchises back to gamers in something that Microsoft executives are billing as a "historic" revival. Microsoft is also securing game from Black Task Studios that is said to be an action title designed to compete with Halo and Gears of War.

Another interesting title that has been talked about briefly is called Quantum Break; the trailer for that game turned up a while back and can be viewed here.

And once again, when it's close the target development platform tends to become the one that's easier to develop for.

In the beginning that was the 360, by far. After several years, the PS3 became a lot easier to develop for than before, and it also surpassed the 360 in software tie ratio for North America. Accordingly, we began to see more multiplatform games coming out last year that were ported from the PS3, not to.

quote: Last generation? Weakest console was the winner.

The weakest console was the Wii. The software tie ratio was lower and the prices were lower. It generally was not the target platform for AAA titles.